Ideal reloaders

[Pitchy]

Anyone have any of these old reloading tools, this one is in 32-40, which i`m not familiar with.

[Shasta]

I have a copy of "Early Loading Tools and Bullet Molds" by R.H. Chamberlain. This is a wonderful little paperback that thouroughly discusses the many various models of Ideal tools produced beginning in 1884. Yours appears to be a Number Six with adjustable chamber, which Mr. Chamberlain describes as one of the most popular in the Ideal line.

To quote from the book, "The Number Six could be purchased with either a fixed or adjustable chamber but according to the early catalogs all tools for cartridges over 2 1/2 inches in length would have the adjustable chambers."

The .32-40 was and still is a popular caliber amongst single-shot offhand target shooters, and was also offered in both Marlin and Winchester lever guns. I happen to own a nice Winchester Model 94 octagon barrel rifle in .32-40 and it is a pleasure to shoot. Recoil is very mild and the long taper cases are easier (at least for me) to reload than a bottleneck case.

SHASTA

[Pitchy]

Thanks for the info, can`t find number six on it, says 32-40M on one side and the Ideal name on the other side.

[6pt-sika]

I've had a couple of those !

One was the same as what you have and I sold it for a modest profit . I had another that was for a 32-20 and again made a slight profit when I got rid of it .

I still however have the remains of one for the 38-55 that I doubt is worth much , since even the sprue plate is missing .

[perry owens]

I have one in 40-65

And one in 38-40

Sometimes I use them to reload for my original Winchester 1886 and 1873 using a lead pot over an open fire and black powder.
The decapping pins are missing, as they usually are, but they are easy to make on a lathe.
Perry Owens

[Pitchy]

[Charles]

I have loaded several thousand 45-70 rounds on one just like it. Starting from front (mold) to back, you ave.

1. Bullet Mold
2. Bullet seating and crimping
3. Primer seating
4. Bullet sizing

[Malamute]

i have one in 38 S&W cal that is virtually brand new. It has the box, powder scoop, and decapping stud. The box is sort of coming apart from age, but it's an interesting old tool.

[Tycer]

Not all of them crimp. I had one in 32-20 that did not crimp.

[Sixgun]

I have loaded several thousand 45-70 rounds on one just like it. Starting from front (mold) to back, you ave.

1. Bullet Mold
2. Bullet seating and crimping
3. Primer seating
4. Bullet sizing

Charles put it in perfect perspective--Follow #1 to #4 and you will shoot for life. I have an exact example of yours, but in 38-40. I use the mould part all the time when I'm feelin nostalgic and have a need to "shoot like our granddaddys did!-------------Sixgun

[Pitchy]

I have a new one in 45-70, mold, powder, lead, measure, dipper, all in saddle bags.
No my name ain`t Roy.

[M. M. Wright]

The one I have is in 32-20. Bought it out of a junk store because I have 92 and an SAA in that caliber. Never used it though. The Dillon is much handier.

[Bill in Oregon]

Pitchy, where DO you find all these goodies? There is a nice write-up on the .38-55 Ideal tool in the most recent issue of SPG Blackpowder Cartridge News. Just having that tool justifies you getting a .32-40 to go with it!

[Pitchy]

Just having that tool justifies you getting a .32-40 to go with it!

Ya had to say that